Cleansing Liquid Hazards to Electronic Equipment Issued
A public health notification was issued jointly by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) detailing means to avoid hazards that may arise when cleaning electronic medical equipment.
The organizations warrant attention to the use of liquids to clean electronic medical equipment. Damage to such can result in equipment malfunction, burns to healthcare workers, and equipment fires. Consequences of damage or such events can result in life-threatening events to patients resulting from equipment malfunction.
These problems result from damage or corrosion to electronic circuitry, usually to equipment that has unsealed electronic components or circuitry, when disinfecting agents intrude equipment housing. Proper cleaning of equipment may require different approaches that employed for non-electric equipment.
The notification calls for a review of equipment management protocols detailing cleaning and disinfection. Steps required include identification of the equipment affected by this notice. Review maintenance and cleaning instructions from the manufacturer; complete training, as necessary, to ensure that staff is aware of appropriate methods. Equipment should be protected from contamination whenever possible.
If equipment becomes contaminated by transmittable microorganisms or infectious materials (including blood), follow instructions provided by manufacturers. OSHA provides regulations in appropriate decontamination techniques. Avoid wetting the equipment when completing disinfection should be avoided. Chemical manufacturer warnings should be complied with entirely, including precautions noted. The notification provides comprehensive planning information.
November 8, 2007 Related topics: Facilities, Laboratory Equipment, Quality, Safety, Errors, Standardization